How to include public engagement in your URSS project
Introduction
The Undergraduate Research Support Scheme (URSS) enables undergraduate students - including finalists - to carry out a summer research or public engagement project over the summer vacation. It's a great opportunity to lead your own project. The URSS helps develop valuable transferable skills, try out real life research, enhance your CV and career prospects, as well as building your confidence.
Applicants must get the support of a supervisor and can apply for a URSS bursary to undertake a research or public engagement project, either in the UK or abroad, for between 6-10 weeks. Please check the main Student Opportunity URSS webpagesLink opens in a new window for the most up-to-date information on bursary amounts, eligibility and project length, as this may change from year to year.
Learn more about about public engagement
What is public engagement?
Public engagement is about talking to people outside of the university about the work that goes on here. That could be something you've learnt on your course, or a piece of research you or someone in your department is working on or has already produced. The idea is to have a two way discussion with the people you choose to engage with, so you make space not only to tell them about the work you're an expert in - but also to give them a platform to share their responses, thoughts and perspectives.
How to include public engagement in your URSS project
Your public engagement could happen alongside your project or take place in the Autumn term if you'd like to complete it after your research project has generated results.
What would a public engagement element look like within a URSS research project?
This depends on the research you're doing. It may be a blog post (or a series) about the research. It could be a set of social media posts (e.g. Twitter, Instagram, TikTok) about your subject, presented in a way that encourages responses. It could be a game, or an event for schools, or a TouTube video, or a collaboration with a community group, or something else. The only limit is your creativity!
In your application, please specify which of the following categories your public engagement will fit under:
Participate in an event led by Warwick Institute of Engagement.For this you might design a table-top activity, engagement stall or poster and we will put on an event in the autumn term that you could participate in. We will support students to prepare for the event through skills masterclasses with external experts, and support or preparation sessions with the event managers. See photos and descriptions of the 2023 event, Resonate Roadshow. Find out about how to participate.
Other live public event, e.g., talk, performance, activity. You or your supervisor might know of an event taking place outside Warwick that you’d like to participate in or know a school or community group who would like to hear your talk.
Online engagement, e.g., podcast, social media, blog. You could ask to post this on your department’s website or Twitter account or you might have your own online presence.
Working with partners, e.g., collaborative research, citizen science, working with policy makers.
Other – please specify. You are welcome to get in touch with Helen at to talk through your ideas if you'd like some advice before applying.
If you are a student or a supervisor looking for further advice or signposting to internal or external contacts regarding public engagement, please contact Helen Luckhurst at
Book onto an information session about public engagement:
No events to show.
Support for research projects
This webpage is designed to give information and advice on public engagement within URSS, which is supported by the Warwick Institute of Engagement. For information on all other aspects of the URSS scheme, please visit the Student Opportunity URSS webpages and contact .
